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EXHIBIT No. 14. Extract from Letter from Mr. H. Wkigg tc Captain Bowek. (Private.) Progmore House, Symonds Street, My DBAK Captain Bower, — Auckland, 4th August, 1897. I have to tender you my sinoerest thanks for your certificate. It could not be moie correct or more to the point, and I shall always be under a lasting obligation to yourself for the great trouble you have taken upon my behalf. I may tell you that I thought it would be as well to get written opinions from the leading ex-military officers here, and I have been backed up right and left—very handsome letters ; amongst otiiers one from Captain Armstrong, late 14th Regiment; Lieutenant Tylden, late 70th Eegiment (wounded), now barrister; Captain Beere, late 62nd and 15th Regiments and 4th Waikato Regiment; Captain Eichardson, late 95th Regiment; A. Cairns, late R.N. (Chairman Crimean Association), and others, and am promised, which I shall get tomorrow, one from Colonel Craigh, late 42nd (Black Watch), and Captain Peacock, late 4th Waikatos, and Captain Davenoy, late 6th Dragoon Guards, Lieut. Brodie, late 71st Regiment. Colonels Dawson and Burton I have yet to see, so my chances are at least good. Believe, me, &c, Harry Whioo. EXHIBIT No. 15. Sir, — Auckland, 14th August, 1897. After getting to this stage, I find at the last moment that the Order in Council provides " That the distinction shall not be claimed by any individual on his own account, but the claim must be made in favour of the person considered to be entitled to it by the commanding oflicer of the force or district." Colonel St. John being deceased, will you, as late adjutant of the district, kindly forward, with any recommendation you may be pleased to make. I have, &c, Habky Wriqo, Captain Bower, Town Clerk, Napier. Late Cornet, B.P.V.C. EXHIBIT No. 9. Wellesley Street East, Auckland, 18th August, 1897. I certify that I was a voluntary trooper in the Bay of Plenty Volunteer Cavalry when Bennett White and mailman were murdered, and when Cornet Wrigg stepped forward and volunteered to carry despatches in the disturbances of 1867 and 1868. Gbo. H. Leaning. EXHIBIT No. 16. Extract from Letter from Mr. H. Wrigg to Captain Bower. (Private.) My dear Captain Bower, — Auckland, 21st August, 1897. I find after all, at the last moment, that the Cross cannot be claimed by any individual en his own account, but the claim must be made in favour of the person considered to be entitled to it by the Commanding Officer of the Force or district. (See Gazette of 1869, page 127.) lam sure, under the circumstance, you will forgive me having again to refer to you for your kind assistance. I am sending the papers up to this point, and thought it better to do so, so as to show the support I have received. I should like you to road them over carefully ; and I have sent herewith a rough pencil draft of what I think would meet the case. You can alter or revise, of course, as you think proper, oniy I give you my word of honour that Colonel St. John, not upon one but upon many occasions, offered to recommend me strongly for the decoration, only I refused upon grounds I have already stated before. I have, I may mention, seen Sir Maurice O'Rorke and Mr. Holland, Ms.H.R., and supplied them with type-written copies of all the correspondence in connection therewith, and asked them to see the Minister of Defence when he comes up with the Governor, to ask him to take the matter in hand hirneelf, and not to go by any minute the Under-Secretary may make, though that could be nothing but favourable ; but I know things just about session time are likely to get shelved for an indefinite period. They (Sir Maurice and Mr. Holland) think there ought to be not the slightest difficulty about the matter, and have promised their best support. Hon. Mr. McCullough, M.L.C., has also been interviewed by a friend of mine to see the Minister, so now you know how the matter really stands. I have been to a lot of trouble in the matter, as the gaining the Cross means more to me just now than mere vanity. I think you will agree with me that the "certificates" and "supports" are all that could be desired, more especially as many of the gentlemen I never spoke to until I submitted my papers, amongst them Captain Daveney, Colonel Dawson, Colonel Creagh, and Captains Peacocke and Brodie. I send you stamps which I think will be sufficient for postage, but I am further in your debt should there be a deficiency. My letter to yourself, attached to papers, I have made Very official; your letter to Minister you could attach or send separate as you may deem fit, attached I should consider best. He will, I presume, in reply communicate direct with yourself. I have left your letter of 24th July attached also, so as to make papers complete. The latter portion of your letter, " Returned from thence to Opotiki next day," of course means we had only one night in Tauianga; we left daylight 29th Juite, and were back at Opotiki a little over the three days. I know lam giving you a fearful lot of trouble, but I shall ever l>n in your debt, and will endeavour to cancel a portion of it hereafter, but I know you will help me as far as possible to gain the end. Believe me, &c, Harry Wrigg.